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12-18th Nov 2008 Venerable Aggacitta from the Sasanarakkha Buddhist Sanctuary, Taiping, Perak was in Singapore from 12-18 Nov 08 to conduct a meditation retreat and give a series of talks at the invitation of the Wat Ananda Youth. Here's a summary of two of his talks that were held at two temples: A) "Handling the financial and economic crisis from the pending economic recession @ Wat Palelai" -
Bhante shared that we have to be discreet in spending but should not be overly frugal. If everyone were to drastically reduce their spending or stop spending, the economy would come to a standstill. As Buddhists, we should continue to do dana eg helping the needy and give with respect, and with an understanding of the law of kamma. We are reminded to be mindful, watch our defilements (eg greed) and mental states. B) "The Gradual Training @ Wat Ananda" - Bhante shared the 8 steps to gradual training as taught in the Ganaka Moggallana Sutta (MN 107): 1. Virtuous in moral precepts 2. Guiding the doors of the sense faculties 3. Moderation in eating 4. Devotion to wakefulness 5. Mindfulness and full awareness 6. Resorting to seclusion 7. Abandoning the 5 hindrances 8. Developing Jhanas More information can be found on http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/mn/index.html .
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